Chapter 130: Star of Thunder

"I underestimated you. However, I hope you can withstand my next set of measures."

The old Taoist in white showed no expression, his gaze dismissive of Yuan Wuji.

"Your sword is shattered. How do you intend to fight me?" Yuan Wuji asked with a sneer.

A magical treasure plays a massive role in combat, boosting the wielder's power by at least thirty percent. Losing one in the heat of battle is effectively the same as losing both arms.

"Do you really think I possess only one treasure?"

Under Yuan Wuji's watch, the old Taoist produced a new sword. Its quality was that of a top-tier acquired spiritual treasure. Judging by the aura radiating from the blade, it carried a hint of thunderous power that surpassed the previous shattered weapon.

"This Thunder-Star Sword was nearly forged into an innate spiritual treasure, but it failed. Still, it retained a trace of innate characteristics, making it significantly more powerful than ordinary acquired treasures. Using this to strike you down is a fitting end for the innate treasure you hold."

"Do you truly believe a half-finished product can kill me?"

"You shall see."

The old Taoist raised the Thunder-Star Sword, pushing his aura to its limit. Sensing a threat from Yuan Wuji, he prepared to finish the fight swiftly.

"Thunderous Purple Heaven Sword Qi—Thousand Bolts of Thunder!"

Compared to before, the old Taoist's aura had reached its zenith. The violent crackle of electricity made the very air around him restless and frantic. A stray bolt of lightning streaked past Yuan Wuji, only to be shattered by a single strike from the Punishment Blade.

"Wind Rises, Thousand Falls!"

Beyond the power of thunder, the old Taoist unleashed wind-based supernatural arts. As a Taiyi Loose Immortal who had perfected the wood-element wind path, his mastery of these techniques was absolute.

"Die!"

Operating at peak form, the old Taoist charged forward and swung his blade.

*Clang!*

When the Thunder-Star Sword collided with the Punishment Blade, it was Yuan Wuji who retreated. The lightning energy surged through the blade into his palms, causing a temporary numbness that he quickly purged from his body.

"Mountain Splitter!"

Yuan Wuji did not project blade light; instead, he contained the energy within the Punishment Blade. Combined with the Dragon-Tiger aura of his Subduing Dragon and Tiger technique, his momentum was equally formidable.

The old Taoist attacked again with astonishing speed, the thunderous power of the Thunder-Star Sword remaining intense. Yet, because the Punishment Blade was of a higher grade, Yuan Wuji stood his ground and countered.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

The two remained locked in a fierce struggle. While Yuan Wuji was forced backward, the old Taoist could not gain the upper hand. As he retreated, Yuan Wuji searched for an opening, but the old Taoist’s defense remained tight, leaving him no room to strike.

Realizing Yuan Wuji’s intent, the old Taoist shifted his strategy. Abandoning his purely violent offensive, he turned to a style favoring speed over raw force. Leveraging the agility of his wind element, he moved like a phantom, seeking a single decisive strike.

Watching this shift, Yuan Wuji offered a cold smile. Having developed the third turn of his three Golden Cores, his "Mind Sense" technique had undergone a qualitative leap. By pushing this ability to its limit, everything around him—including the movements of the old Taoist—was mapped clearly within his mind.

If the old Taoist had continued his previous style, Yuan Wuji would have had to expend significant effort, but his change in tactics provided a perfect opportunity. Yuan Wuji let his hands fall to his sides, feigning a lack of defense.

As the old Taoist lunged forward with blinding speed, Yuan Wuji tracked his trajectory and reacted instantly. He activated the first turn of his Myriad Demon and Tiangang Golden Cores, causing his Subduing Dragon and Tiger technique to surge, his aura erupting with violent force.

The sudden increase in power caught the old Taoist off guard. Unable to retreat, he was forced to commit to his strike. Gold and crimson light flared, the draconic and tiger-like might of the Punishment Blade causing the very air to tremble.

Sensing a lethal threat, the old Taoist let out a roar: "Thunder-Star!"

The Thunder-Star ability was meant to be the innate power of the blade had it successfully ascended to an innate treasure. Though it remained an incomplete version, it granted the blade immense power—at the cost of weakening the sword with every use until it eventually vanished. Desperate, the old Taoist channeled everything into it.

The lightning energy on the blade surged, providing the old Taoist with a fleeting sense of security.

*Boom!*

As the two weapons collided, the old Taoist poured all his mana into the thunder, hoping to crush Yuan Wuji. However, Yuan Wuji was focused on something else: the Samadhi True Fire hidden within his Dantian. Now beginning to take shape, it possessed lethal offensive power, and this was the perfect moment to strike.

"Old fool, look here!"

Distracted, the old Taoist looked up, only to see the fire. "Samadhi... Samadhi True Fire!"

His pupils contracted in terror. He tried to retreat, but Yuan Wuji gave him no chance, spraying a torrent of Samadhi True Fire directly onto him.

"Ah! Argh!"

The flames clung to the old Taoist, forcing him to abandon the fight. He threw down the Thunder-Star Sword and scrambled to flee. Yuan Wuji was surprised by his decisiveness—it seemed the old man valued his life over his treasure. Yuan Wuji, however, did not hesitate to claim the abandoned weapon.

The Samadhi True Fire was not easily extinguished. Even without the sword, the old Taoist struggled to resist the consuming flames. As he fled, desperate for a water source, a voice from the crowd below shouted, "Elder, strip off your robes!"

It was a sound observation. The fire was mostly clinging to his white robes, with only a small portion burning his flesh. Acting quickly, the old Taoist tore off his clothing, finally gaining the upper hand against the remaining flames.